WHERE DID DONATIONS GO?

LAWMAKERS led by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez reiterated yesterday their call for the Commission on Audit (CoA) to audit the Yolanda funds worth billions of dollars eight months after the killer super typhoon hit the country on November 8, 2013.

Romualdez, head of the House independent minority bloc, underscored transparency in the utilization of funds, mostly coming from international donors.

“We want full accounting of the donations because this will guide us as to where the funds have been spent and if indeed intended beneficiaries have been reached,” Romualdez said as he called on the people and the government to further intensify its efforts in pushing for the rebuilding of calamity-stricken areas and set aside politics for the common good of the survivors.

Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting agreed with Romualdez, saying the Aquino administration must guarantee that foreign donations are not misspent in light of the pork barrel scam involving billions of pesos.

“The Yolanda funds should be used accountably and be well audited. Foreign help was sent so we must make sure these funds are properly spent. I join this call,” said Tambunting.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan lamented that many beneficiaries have been complaining that needed assistance did not reach them.

“Even as aid surged for Typhoon Yolanda victims, their situation eight months after the typhoon struck clearly indicates that these donations barely reached their intended recipients. Calls to audit all spending and donations have remained unheeded,” Ilagan said.

“Despite government claims that P32 billion funds have already been released as post-Yolanda aid as of May 2014, the situation in Tacloban City and other Yolanda ravaged areas remain dismal and tragic. Ano’ng nangyari sa mga pondo?” Ilagan asked